“Am I?”
“Please tell me it was all a joke.” The adrenaline started to slow, calming her pulse but leaving her anxious and shaky.
“I’m completely serious about getting married.” He framed her face with his hands and brought his lips to hers.
She gave a little squeal and tried to push him away. When he didn’t budge she turned her head, and he turned his attentions to that spot behind her ear that shifted her body into a different gear entirely.
“What are you doing? You can’t be naked with me in the shower and then marry someone else.”
“I’m not doing anything wrong.” His hands certainly were as they slid over her arms to wrap around her hips.
“We’re not doing this.”
“Doing what?” He licked her, from her ear to her collarbone and back. Her insides quivered in response.
“You can’t think I’d have sex with you on the day of your wedding.”
“You’re not old-fashioned enough to think it’s bad luck.”
“It isn’t just bad luck, it is a bad idea. I’m not sleeping with a married man.”
He had the nerve to laugh, the rich sound ringing around the shower. “I’m not married yet.”
“You shouldn’t be getting married at all.”
“Yeah?” He lowered his head to hers and whispered against her lips, “Convince me.”
2
Emotions flashed across Miranda’s face—uncertainty, fear, lust. Cal prayed she’d go with the last one. Her intense hazel gaze focused directly on his lips. He licked them, hoping she’d take the hint and take him up on all he had to offer, in and out of the shower.
“You want me to convince you not to ruin your next decade by marrying a gold digger who refuses to sign a prenup so she can take everything you just inherited from your father?” With slow precision she looked up to meet his eyes and she smiled, dimples pressing into her cheeks. Mira had the ability to look sexy and innocent at the same time, and no matter how often he’d seen her put on that grin it got him every time.
“I convince you there is no reason for you to marry some stranger, and you’ll call the whole thing off?”
“Do your best.” He leaned close enough to feel her shallow breaths against his face and braced one hand against the granite behind her. It troubled him a bit that she’d seemed so bothered by the idea of him marrying at all, but he brushed past it. Soon enough she’d forget she was ever mad. “I know exactly what I want.”
Water dripped off her eyelashes as she blinked. “One part of you certainly wants me.”
He inched closer, pressing his hardened length against her belly. “My entire body is in total agreement.”
“And yet you’re planning on slipping on a suit and a wedding ring tonight.” She laid her palm against his cheek and ran her fingers along his jaw. She pushed against the cleft in his chin, then slid a finger to his mouth. “Don’t do it.”
He parted his lips, flicking his tongue against her fingertip. “Okay.”
“Really?” Her hazel eyes glistened as she reached up and crossed both arms behind his neck, pressing her nipples against his chest.
“No suit. I’m wearing my kilt.”
She groaned, but before she could release him, he ran his hands up the backs of her arms and held her there.
“You’re just getting started. It’s not like you to surrender so easily.” He couldn’t have her giving up, not when he had an agenda here too. He had to convince her to marry him and it appeared the thought had never crossed her mind. He’d thought she would have offered herself up as a replacement bride by now to rescue him from disaster. She had to save everything, from wayward teenagers to onsite daycare for her firm.
“Do you see me waving a white flag? You’re not marrying a fortune hunter, even if I have to gag the Elvis impersonator marrying you at the drive-through chapel.”
“And yet you don’t seem to be doing a thing to change my mind.” He wanted to argue the wedding details, but if it took Elvis to get her name on a marriage license, he’d do it.
“I’m trying to decide.” She pushed her fingers into his hair and massaged his scalp in tiny circles. He exhaled in pure pleasure. “Maybe I should tie you to the bed and keep you captive until your bride comes looking for you, and then I can explain to her how it’s going to be.”
“And how is that, doll?” He widened his stance and braced his hands against the slick granite. The steam carried the scent of roses and feminine arousal.
“You’re going to come to your senses.”
His were certainly on high alert, but he knew that wasn’t what she meant. “Or maybe you’re going to realize that this is our last chance for premarital fun.”
“I’ll do the convincing, thank you. I’m thinking about making you a deal. I’ll remind you of a great reason to stay single, and you won’t marry a gold digger.”
“Done.” Relief eased the last of his guilt. She didn’t want him marrying someone else, and that was at least a start in convincing her to marry him. But he wasn’t about to ask her naked. No telling what she’d do.
With gentle pressure she pulled his head to hers and slid her wet lips against his. Tender and soft, almost innocent, but for the intense deluge of heat pouring through his veins.
His erection pulsed, his heart raced and rational thought began to evaporate, only need filling his mind. She tasted sweeter than warm honey, richer than fine wine, and more tempting than a fountain of melted chocolate.
She deepened the kiss, swirling her tongue around his. Passion built with every move until she was devouring him, her hunger and ardor making every kiss before seem tame. She arched her body, her pebbled nipples pressing into his chest, her soft belly cradling his arousal.
He returned the kiss, ravenous for her taste, touch. Their tongues danced and she skimmed her hands over his slick body. She reached between them, wrapped her fingers around his length, and squeezed. His eyes nearly crossed from the intensity of the pleasure.
“Over here.” She didn’t release her hold so he had to follow as she backed up through the soft rainfall of the shower to a display panel beside the granite bench seat. A few beeps from the panel and the water began to pulse around them from wall-mounted shower heads, drumming against their bodies and the river rock beneath their feet. A dim red light tinted the space.
“Good?” she asked as she turned back to him and began to stroke.
He nodded and stared at her face, bathed in the red light. This was a fantasy he’d never thought to have.
“Good enough for you to call off this ridiculous wedding and have fun with me instead?”
“The wedding is on, and so is having fun with you.” The intensity in his voice shook her as much as his response. She opened her mouth to reply, but he stole her argument with a bone-melting kiss.
She moved her hand in time with his tongue, waiting for her conscience to awaken. But the selfish part of her wanted as much of him as she could get, and the weak excuse that he wasn’t married yet sounded pretty darn good.
Falling in love with him hadn’t been a simple flip of a switch; she’d slipped into it gradually, a habit she’d have to quit cold turkey. But like a dieter on Sunday night, she wanted one last bite to fill her heart during the empty months that lay ahead.
His large hands covered her chest, squeezing in a way that made her small breasts feel full. It was a skill he had, one she appreciated all the more when he dipped his head and pulled her nipple into his mouth, teasing the tip with his tongue. She couldn’t match his speed, and so she simply held on, riding out the pleasure.
She watched him give the same attention to her other breast and wondered if arousal made her breasts larger. She only felt confident in her chest when his hands were on her. A tug of sadness that after tonight everything might change entered her mind, but before it could take hold, Cal licked his way up her neck and caught her gaze.
The red lights overhead shadowed his masculine features. His
tawny brown eyes shone with lust, his nostrils flaring as he licked his firm lips. He shifted slightly, blocking her body from the pulsing spray coming from beside her and overhead. Water beat off his skin and misted against her face as his hands slid down her ribcage and over her waist to grip her hips.
“I want you.” His deep voice sent a shiver through her.
She swallowed and squeezed her thighs together, hoping the pressure would stave off the need growing deep within her. “Do you want me more than you want to get married?”
“Yes.”
She smiled at the word and then gasped as his hand slipped between her legs, his fingers parting her sex. He slid his finger over the tiny button of nerves and pleasure rippled through her body. She gripped the hard muscles of his shoulders and leaned against the granite, watching the intense expression on his face as she accepted the bliss he offered. She parted her legs and he shifted his hand, entering her with his finger as his thumb kept up the glorious attention.
He kissed her and the remains of her conscience fled. They were adults, making adult decisions. She wouldn’t give this up, even if she had to object to his marriage publicly, risk all of their friends thinking less of her. It both terrified and excited her to think of how far she was willing to go to keep him from making the biggest mistake of his life.
Releasing her hold on his erection, she slipped her hands over the wet contours of his muscled frame. He had a glorious physique to look at, but touching held more satisfaction. The smooth skin, hard muscle, the way the hair on his chest highlighted his build and led to the part of him she planned on enjoying as soon as possible.
Heat swirled low in her belly, his attentions priming her for release. His dedication to getting her off before, during, and after his own orgasm was one of his best qualities as a lover, but today was about reminding him of her best asset, the element of surprise.
“I have an idea,” she whispered above the din of the water.
His hand stilled as he met her gaze, his light brown eyes glazed with lust. “Me too.”
Feeling bold, she took his wrist and freed herself of his hand. She twined her fingers with his as she brought his hand to his erection. She gripped him, his desire heavy and pulsing against her palm. Excitement rushed through her as her body responded to the opportunity to act out a fantasy she’d been chasing for months. “Hold that thought, you’re going to need it in a minute.”
His sinister laugh rumbled through her, vibrating places so close to climax she could barely wait to touch him.
With her hands on his shoulders she guided him out of the overhead spray and against the granite so the body sprays hit them both from the sides. Her mind had spun this scenario so many times she knew she had to make sure he was steady on his feet, and a few inches shorter. She slid her hands to his hips and nudged his foot. “Step out, make your legs wider.”
He complied, but leaned in and whispered, “Hurry up.”
It was her turn to laugh as she took his free hand and placed it on the small of her back. She wrapped her fingers around the back of his neck and gave her best teasing grin. “I ought to make you wait.”
“I have about two seconds of patience left, then all bets are off.” The gravel in his usually smooth voice showed he meant it.
Creating such a response always ratcheted up her arousal. She met his gaze and did what she’d been playing over in her mind for weeks. She leaned back and lifted one leg as high as she could, muscles stretching as she held on to the back of her thigh, leaned forward, and set her ankle on his shoulder.
His mouth opened, his eyes sparkling as he stared at her. The look of pure wonder and raw desire in his gaze was worth every Bikram yoga class she’d headed to after work. She eased forward, her calf sliding up his shoulder until she stood in a vertical split.
She pushed her fingers into his short hair, massaging his scalp in slow circles she knew drove him wild. “Have I convinced you yet?”
He grunted his response, gripping her hips as he surged into her. She gasped and held on tight, her balance dependent on his. He thrust again, sensation exploding at his fervor, the new position, and pride that she’d had the sensual power to change his mind.
Their bodies undulated in a perfect rhythm as they raced toward release. Her every move echoed his, both for pleasure and balance. She felt so full like this, so vulnerable every time he pushed his thick cock in deep, each thrust faster than the one before. His fingers gripped her hips tighter, her sex stretched and clenched with each long, hard drive. Sweat prickled her skin as she began to breathe harder, the steam filling her lungs. As if there weren’t enough air, her vision clouded and then blurred around the edges. But she didn’t want to stop, not with pleasure whipping through her, the friction of their bodies driving her closer and closer to the edge of bliss. As the world darkened she closed her eyes, colors exploding as orgasm tore through her.
She warred between trying to stay standing and fighting for breath. Cal solved the dilemma by lifting her standing leg and tucking it behind his back as he turned them around. Her back pressed against the warm granite as he thrust his thick cock into her. Her leg slipped from his shoulder, catching his arm, but his driving pace never faltered.
The hard set to his jaw, the wild look in his eyes, told her his control had long since vanished. Knowing that she’d driven him to this point ignited her arousal anew. She squeezed her inner muscles to heighten the sensation, fighting for another orgasm before she passed out from the heat and pure, unadulterated bliss.
Every time he filled her he pressed just a bit deeper, the tight bundle of nerves between her thighs aching for climax. He drove into her. Hard. Wild. Primal. Nothing could stop him, just as nothing could have kept her body from tightening around him. Orgasm tore through her and she cried out his name.
He shouted and pushed deeper, his hard body pressing her against the polished rock just as mercilessly as his shaft moved within her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on as his body tensed and released over and over.
She was still fighting for breath when he raised his head and smiled at her. He let go of her legs one at a time, his body slipping from hers as she found the strength to stand.
She pushed back the hair that had fallen in her face. “I think I need a shower from showering with you.”
“I could use a cold one, or else we’re never getting out of here.”
She stepped to the panel and adjusted the temperature. The water slowly cooled, bringing her body temperature down with it. Standing beneath one of the overhead sprays, she let her head tip back, the icy water pulsing against her flushed skin.
Cal flattened his hand against her belly, sliding his large palm between her breasts and around the back of her neck. He pulled her face to his and joined their mouths together in a hot, deep kiss. The chill of the water against their lips, the rich taste of him, and barely being able to catch her breath had her pulling away and shutting off the water.
“That’s the perfect way to start a honeymoon.”
A bolt of nausea pealed through her like church bells in a quiet town. “You’re still planning to get married?”
“Of course.” He lifted her chin with two fingers. “To you.”
3
Miranda gasped, her hazel eyes sparking with emotion. Her gaze narrowed on him and she shook her head, dislodging his fingers. Her furious expression sobered his smile. He’d never seen Mira angry, not at him at least.
“Listen, doll.” He reached for her and she batted his arm away with one hand, and her other landed squarely on his cheek with a loud slap. The sharp sting was chased away by heat spreading up his face. He pressed his palm against the pain, his mind numb from shock.
“No, you listen, you spoiled son of a bitch. I could strangle you right now.” Her finger jabbed at his chest so hard he looked down to see if it had left a mark. “You don’t get to call me and say you’re getting married in a day, make me show up and try to talk you out of it, and th
en say it’s some kind of joke. If you want to vacation with your friends, you invite them. And don’t talk to me about marriage. I am not a game you play. I deserve more respect than that.”
She shoved him aside with more strength than he’d thought possible and pushed her way out of the shower. She snagged the robe from a hook and wrapped her hair in a towel at Mach speed.
Fear squeezed his chest. Of all the ways he thought this might go, he’d never imagined her outraged. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist as he chased after her.
“It’s white.” She stood in front of the closet, clutching the bridesmaid gown. She tossed it onto the huge bed and pointed at the flowers on the bedside table. “And those are bouquets. That’s why they are tied and set in the water, not fanned out.” She smacked her hand against her forehead. “And this is the honeymoon suite. I thought the hotel had made a mistake, but this is all you. All some cruel game you dreamed up to bring everyone together.”
“Listen. I can explain.” He stepped to the foot of the bed, but didn’t get too close to her. He’d never seen this side of Miranda, and it unnerved him. He’d thought he knew her so well.
She tipped her head back and gave the saddest laugh he’d ever heard. “Of course you can. You’ll have to make your excuses while I get ready, because I am so out of here.” She brushed past him to the vanity.
“Miranda, please hear me out.” His stomach knotted as he turned to catch her gaze in the mirror. He had until she made it from hairbrush to perfume. Less than that really, because she was sure to drown him out with the blow-dryer.
“What did you expect?” She tugged the brush through her hair and then tossed it onto the marble countertop. She picked up a tube and squeezed a white cream on her hand and scrubbed it into her flushed face. “Was I supposed to throw my arms around you and confess my undying love and follow you back to New York tomorrow? Drop everything the way I did when your father died? I have a life, Cal.”
Just Married (More than Friends) Page 2